Chapter 98: Oxide’s Promise
Several Months Earlier...
"I got invited to join the Sub Enforcers."
"Neat." The campfire burned harshly as Kevin tossed some firewood into it.
"Neat?" Ashley frowned and shot a look at her boyfriend. "That's all you have to say? I have freaking superpowers; I am one of the only people at our school to have them. I was the only one in my family born with them, and I was just invited to join the Sub Enforcers, one of the greatest teams in Oleander! This practically gives me a guaranteed spot on any other hero team once I turn eighteen. Just neat? That's seriously it?"
"Okay." Kevin shrugged. "It's really neat. Is that better?"
"No!" Ashley sighed and folded her arms. Metal twisted and formed over her shoulder, taking the shape of a small cat. "Why did I even agree to come out here? I should be training right now."
"Yeah. Why did you come?" Kevin stared down at the fire, his lips forming a thin line. There weren't many spots left in Oleander that had a forest feel to them. It was a big city, one built on top of the ruins of fallen lands. Parts of it were abandoned due to a villain attack that the Cleanup crew couldn't fix. They were in one such part of the city. Trees had grown back, and grass was taking over the buildings as nature ate away the ruined part of the street. "I didn't ask for you to come. You invited yourself."
"Because we haven't gotten to spend any time with each other!"
"Yeah. You've been too busy dealing with your new powers."
"Oh, don't act like you've been any better! You've been busy dealing with tryouts!" Ashley hissed back.
Kevin stared down at the fire softly. "Well, we have time now, don't we?"